Zoo opens but Zoo Road traffic detoured April 7

The same day Niabi Zoo was scheduled to open for the 2014 season, crews were expected to resume construction that will close part of Niabi Zoo Road.

The zoo kicks off the 2014 season Monday, April 7, 2014. Three new animals and the opportunity to see snakes being fed are among new attractions for zoo visitors this year.

Just as the zoo season begins, so does construction season. In 2014, it includes continuing work, started last fall, to replace the U.S. Highway 6 bridge over Shaffer Creek just west of Niabi Zoo Road, as well as reconstruction of the intersection of U.S. 6 and Niabi Zoo Road.

Never fear. You’ll still be able to get to the zoo.

Signs will be moved and traffic will be detoured to use a street to the west of Niabi Zoo Road, to get to the zoo, while the new road is constructed. Temporary traffic signals will be in place.

U.S. 6 will remain open, but traffic patterns will change and drivers should be ready to travel slowly through the work area.

The work to rebuild Niabi Zoo Road is scheduled to be completed by mid-June, and the U.S. 6 bridge over Shaffer Creek is scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

The zoo is open seven days a week; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.